I did some calculations that a solar panel on the roof, tied into the traction battery in some fashion (whether it's directly being used for miles or offloading climate systems) would add maybe 3 miles range to the car. That's GAS saved, not electricity, so about 10¢/mi , or 30¢ per day. It would take 5 years saving 30¢ per day to pay back an investment of $500, so that was my vote.
But realistically, I park indoors at home and work, so I'd except only about 30 minutes to an hour on the road each day, It wouldn't generate much electricity at all for me... so even the estimate above is way over the top.
3 miles per day was based on my Whr/mi rating and some stats I got from an Energy Del Sol solar mat for RVs. It produces 68W from a 13.5 sq ft pad. There's probably better grades of PV cells out there, but it was a start.
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View Poll Results: How much would you be willing to pay for the solar panel option?
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I don't want the solar panel, even if it's free.
16 9.09% -
For $40k, that panel had better be included in the price.
45 25.57% -
I want the panel, but won't pay more than $250 for it.
20 11.36% -
I want the panel, but won't pay more than $500 for it.
49 27.84% -
I want the panel, but won't pay more than $1k for it.
27 15.34% -
I want the panel, but won't pay more than $2k for it.
11 6.25% -
I want the panel, and will pay more than $2k for it.
8 4.55%
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Results 91 to 95 of 95
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02-07-2012 #91
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06-25-2012 #92
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The Chevy Volts charges through a 110 or 220 volt outlet using an on board battery charger. you might be able to get a decent improvement in charge if you left your car for the weekend plugged into the panels, Electric mode is buttery smooth with 0-60 about 8 sec. 0-30 is better than a 3 series due to the instant electric torque.
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09-20-2012 #93
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What a great answer to why a solar panel option on board the vehicle isn't practical.
http://www.revaindia.com/images/gall...images/nt3.jpg
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09-20-2012 #94
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Originally Posted by petefoss
haha, This is the staging area, just before they are mounted on each car's roof.Cyber Gray, Std Wheels, Black Leather/White Console, Park Assist. Picked up May 2011
B3320
Best All Electric Miles: 54.2
Lifetime: 30,821 miles, 140 MPG, Remaining Oil Life 100%
Typical Commute: 57-67 miles
30 day Stats: 1100 miles, 201 MPG, 82% Electric, 28% gas, Saved 42 gal., 26 kW-hr/100 miles
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09-20-2012 #95
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You can fit about 720 watt of the space satellite style panels on the volt (if you get a little creative) Originally Posted by petefoss
I think its like anything, once its reliable and affordable there would be no reason not to have it, today its really only good as a slow charger or battery maintainer.
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